Tomb of Zhu Shi

Tomb of Zhu Shi

The Tomb of Zhu Shi is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Tomb of Zhu Shi is located about 32 kilometers northwest of Gao’an County in Jiangxi Province.

The tomb stretches 104 meters from north to south and 26 meters from east to west. After centuries of vicissitudes, it no longer retains its original appearance. Currently, the site features a spirit way stele, stone memorial archway, stone pillars, stone statues of officials, and animal sculptures, all arranged in sequence along the two ends. The plaque on the memorial archway bears the bold inscription “Imperial Tutor and Elder Statesman.” On the stone pillars on either side are inscribed a couplet written by Gan Rulai (known as the “Unyielding Magistrate”): “Renowned across the Golden Realm, three decades of distinguished service shine brighter than the North Star; legacy enduring in the verdant fields, timeless achievements rival those of Mount Dong.” The stone figures, horses, and beasts in front of the archway are exquisitely carved, vividly shaped, and lifelike.

The burial ground is long and narrow, situated on a gently sloping hill that descends from north to south, covering an area of over 2,600 square meters. Within the enclosure lie two earthen mounds in parallel, each with a remaining height of 1.5 meters, though the surrounding stone walls are now gone. The offering platform in front of the tomb has been turned into a pond. At the entrance of the spirit way, there are a series of structures arranged on both sides: the spirit way stele, stone memorial archway, stone pillars, and stone statues. The spirit way stele stands at the southern end of the front part of the burial ground, with two steles placed side by side. A pair of stone horses face each other, their eyes gazing forward. A pair of stone officials stand respectfully, looking at each other. There are also pairs of stone beasts and stone pigs, though somewhat damaged. Two stone pillars remain.

The tomb complex spans several hundred acres, with a spirit way over 100 meters long leading up to the tomb. The plaque on the memorial archway at the front is inscribed with the title “Imperial Tutor and Elder Statesman,” while the stone pillars bear a couplet: “A hall in the verdant fields, timeless achievements rival those of Mount Dong; renowned across the Golden Realm, three decades of distinguished service shine brighter than the North Star.” The spirit way is flanked by exquisitely carved stone statues of civil officials and horses, rich in detail and artistic beauty, embodying the essence of traditional Chinese culture and reflecting the spiritual aspirations of ancient scholars and officials. Notably, a large stone turtle carries a tall, wordless stele, moving forward with dignified composure—visitors cannot help but feel reverence.

In 2006, the Tomb of Zhu Shi was included in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council as a Qing Dynasty ancient tomb.

Zhu Shi (1665–1736), styled Ruozhan, also known as Bosu, and with the pseudonym Keteng, posthumously honored as Wen Duan, was a native of Gengxia Village, Gao’an County, Rui Prefecture (now Gengxia Zhu Family Village, Cunqian Town, Gao’an City, Jiangxi Province), the sixteenth-generation descendant of the Poshan lineage’s founding ancestor, Mao Gong. Born in the fourth year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Shengzu era and passing away in the first year of the Qianlong reign under Emperor Gaozong, he lived to the age of 72. A prominent official of the early Qing Dynasty, he served through the reigns of Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong, rising to the rank of Grand Tutor and Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall, as well as concurrently serving as Minister of Personnel and War. He was also the tutor of Emperor Qianlong. Known for his benevolent governance, integrity, and uprightness, he was widely praised as one who “restrained himself and diligently pursued virtue, mastering the classics and various schools of thought.” He passed away in the second year… More details about Zhu Shi ++

Further Reading:

· First and Second Batch of Cultural Relics Protection Units in Gao’an City

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units